Agent of Atlético Mineiro star Bernard denies Chelsea talks

The agent of Atlético Mineiro's young starlet Bernard has denied the player is in talks over a move to Chelsea.

Bernard, 20, has rose to prominence this season after becoming a vital part in the Atlético Mineiro side that, for most of the season, looked genuine title contenders.

Adriano Spadotto, the player's agent, told Globo Esporte that the links with Chelsea were just rumours.

He said: "There is a lot of speculation, that's normal as the player is in great form.

"Giuliano Bertolucci [a partner of Spadotto] and [Atletico Mineiro's] president Alexandre Kalil are those who deal with negotiations, but there is nothing right now, it's just a rumour."

Losing Bernard would be a blow to Atlético Mineiro, as the team from Belo Horizonte have already qualified for the Copa Libertadores next season.

As things stand they will have to play a qualifier to enter the group stage, however they can gain direct entry into the second round of the competition this Sunday if they leapfrog Grêmio into second place in the table.

To do this they will have to beat Cruzeiro at home, and hope that Grêmio lose at home to Internacional.